Meet A Member: Stella Pool

When did you first know that you wanted to be a librarian?Becoming a librarian was a natural choice for me. In elementary school I loved visiting the bookmobile. I still can’t imagine a better life than being surrounded by books.

Where did you go to library school?UNCG (University of North Carolina, Greensboro), although I never attended a class in Greensboro. I was part of an early distance education program that pre-dated the Internet. Our classes were delivered via satellite.

What was your first library job?I started in 1979 as a substitute in both the Children’s and Circulation Departments. My first full time position was as a telephone clerk. I remember when the phone was answered by a real person instead of an automated message.

What is your position now?I am the Coordinator for the Monticello Avenue Community Network. We are a division of Jefferson-Madison Regional Library and provide web hosting to non-profit organizations in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. We also maintain a community information website.

What is your favorite part of librarianship?I love the books, the people and the challenge of keeping up with technology.

What is the funniest thing that has ever happened to you on the job?In years past, working in Children’s and YA Services, I’ve dressed as a clown, a witch, Mother Goose, Paddington Bear’s Aunt Lucy, and answered lovelorn letters as Ms. Moolah. I even got to be the murderer at a YA Mystery Night.

My most hilarious reference interview started out simply enough when a patron asked for The Red Badge of Courage but for some reason I heard The Scarlet Letter. One could argue that there are similarities but the patron must have thought I had lost my mind.She very graciously repeated her request so I could correct my mistake.

If you could have anything in the universe installed in your office for your personal use, what would it be?A transporter so I could pop to the beach on my lunch hour!

What is something your colleagues would be surprised to know about you?My secret desire is to be able to sing. I don’t have the talent but would love to learn to read music.